Description:
Job Title: Lab Assistant
Location: Houston Headquarters Facility
Department: Process and Analytical Development
Reports To: Associate Director, Process and Analytical Development
FLSA Status: Part Time/Temporary

COMPANY BACKGROUND

PackGene Biotech was founded in 2014 by a team of visionary scientists united by a common goal—to make life-changing gene therapies accessible to all. Witnessing the success of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in restoring sight and hearing to patients, our team saw both the promise and the challenge: the high cost and complexity of vector production, which limited access to those who needed it most.
Determined to overcome these barriers, we built PackGene to revolutionize AAV manufacturing with innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Our work has enabled life-changing therapies, including a young boy born with congenital deafness. After receiving an AAV-based treatment produced by PackGene, he began responding to his family’s voices. A few months later, he spoke his first word: “Dad.” His father wept with joy—a moment that reminded our team why we do what we do. It was more than just science; it was about restoring hope and giving families a future.
Today, PackGene is a global leader, serving clients in over 30 countries and partnering with more than 1,000 biopharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Our slogan, “Make Gene Therapy Affordable,” reflects our unwavering mission. We focus on tackling key challenges in gene therapy development, including viral vector production and specific targeting, mRNA technologies, and GMP production at scale. We are committed to providing stable, qualified, cost-efficient, and fast services, along with technical support, to empower our gene therapy partners. Together, we aim to transform lives and build a healthier, better world.
We are currently looking for a highly motivated part-time lab assistant to join our Process and Analytical Development (PAD) team.
The lab assistant is mainly involved in Houston PAD lab CRO activities, planning and executing sample aliquoting, and performing other CRO-related tasks if needed in a timeline driven manner.
Requirements:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and making fine discriminations in sound.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Raising objects of 25lbs from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Sitting: Sitting for a period of time.
• Standing: Remaining upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform client sample aliquoting and labeling accurately and efficiently following instructions.
• Order lab supplies, reagents, and materials; maintain an inventory of materials/supplies for projects.
• Regular maintenance of lab equipment and ensuring operational status.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of experiments and procedures.
• Support troubleshooting efforts and escalate issues as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety and operational protocols.
• Contribute to a clean and organized laboratory environment.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any scientific, technical, or engineering field (prior biology or life sciences experience is not required).
• Work Experience: No prior experience in biology or related fields is necessary; on-the-job training will be provided.
• High level of accountability, integrity, attention to detail and communication skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and document work accurately.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic knowledge in MS Office suites of products.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines while maintaining professionalism.